Southampton
Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 148
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Swedish Takeover on Saturday 4 July 2026.
Volvo Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire invite all Swedish vehicle owners and enthusiasts to join them for their annual Swedish Takeover at Beaulieu.
Family
Romsey
The plants may be sleeping, but the garden is still full of life! Come for a winter stomp and see which birds are braving the chill.
JaneAusten250
Winchester
Join us for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food and a game of croquet in the walled garden! (Weather permitting)
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Show / Display
Northwood
Historic county show on the Isle of Wight Get ready for a field full of fun at The Royal Isle of Wight County Show. It’s 37 acres of entertainment – from adorable animals to exciting events and hands-on activities.
Since 1833 the show has…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Weyhill
This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent flights in and out of the darkness in two enthralling flying displays.
Before the flying displays, there…
Festival
Lymington
Heading into its 10th year the Lymington Seafood Festival is the south coasts ‘must visit’ boutique food festival.
Taking place on Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July it is crammed with over 100 different seafood dishes, a chef’s stage hosting the…
General event
Southampton
Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest…
Special Events
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.
With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…
Carnival
Sandown
Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Childrens Events
Gosport
Climb aboard for an interactive robotics mission! Use coloured tiles to discover how Indi the robot moves, thinks, and navigates, just like a tiny submarine. Create your own custom "submarine skin" for Indi, then put your robot to the test by…
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Huge line up Kasabian tribute. UB40 tribute. Foo Fighters…
Childrens Events
Cowes
As the name suggests, Feb Fest is all about bringing those energetic festival vibes to your half-term holiday. Expect a packed itinerary of exciting free activities, meet-and-greets with the kids’ favourite characters, live music, and more. Sounds…
Arts
Basingstoke
Join us for a creative and hands-on weaving experience at Whitchurch Silk Mill! In this fun workshop, you'll learn the basics of weaving and design your very own colourful wall hanging to take home.
Using beautiful yarns and threads, you'll explore…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
This event is a great opportunity to meet members of the conservation team who are working on Victory Live: The Big Repair project.
During these informal hourly sessions, you will be able to learn more about their roles and how it benefits this…
Exhibition
Winchester
This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…
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